Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin
Hard questions, faithfully explored. Hosted by Rebecca McLaughlin, this podcast delves into challenging topics related to Christianity, offering thoughtful and engaging discussions.
Episodes
Helping Kids Relate to Culture with Trevin Wax and Thomas West
Rebecca talks with Trevin Wax and Thomas West about raising kids in a changing culture without fear or nostalgia. They discuss why Christians have always been called to live differently, how to teach children a biblical understanding of freedom and identity, and why everyday conversations matter more than we might think.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newbor
Is the Bible Really One Big Story? with Trevin Wax and Thomas West
What if the Bible isn't just a collection of disconnected stories, but one big story that leads to Jesus?Rebecca talks with Trevin Wax and Thomas West about how seeing the whole story of Scripture changes the way we read it, why some familiar Bible stories make more sense when we know where they're headed, and how we can help kids understand the Bible without underestimating them.Rediscover the “
How Can You Believe in Original Sin?
Are people basically good?Rebecca talks with theologian Gray Sutanto about the Christian doctrine of original sin, why our selfishness seems to come so naturally, and whether it's fair that Adam's sin affects the rest of us.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Dis
What Does it Mean That Humans Are Made in the Image of God? with Gray Sutanto
What makes human beings unique?Rebecca talks with theologian Gray Sutanto about what the Bible means when it says we're made in the image of God, why our value doesn't depend on our intelligence or abilities, and how Jesus shows us what it truly means to be human.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% of
Why Are We So Afraid of Getting Old? with Jen Wilkin
Why are we so uncomfortable with aging, dependency, and death?Rebecca talks with Jen Wilkin about aging, death, dependency, and why Christians should be able to face all three differently.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contempora
Can We Still Trust Christian Leaders? with Kyle & Joe Worley
What makes a Christian leader worthy of trust? Rebecca talks with Kyle Worley and his father, longtime pastor Joe Worley, about power, integrity, parenting, and why faithful leadership looks more like service than status. Ultimately, our hope isn't in perfect Christian leaders, but in Jesus, the perfect shepherd.PRE ORDER → The First Five: How to Beat the Odds and Thrive as a Ministry LeaderRedisc
Does History Discredit Christianity? with John Dickson - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by John Dickson to discuss if history discredits Christianity.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why are the core Christians's beliefs not surprising to a first century Jewish rabbi, known as Jesus?When were the Gospels written and how can we be sure?What about the claim that Jesus is God in the flesh, where is the evidence of that?Can you give us background on Constant
Should We Be Deconstructing? - SUMMER REPLAY
Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin talk about deconstructing; where has this come from and how should we engage?Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christ
Why Does God Let Us Suffer? with Vaneetha Risner - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca is joined by Vaneetha Risner to discuss her life story and what God has taught her through suffering. Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christia
Why Does God Care About Who We Sleep With? with Rachel Gilson - SUMMER REPLAY
Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin are joined by author Rachel Gilson to talk about why God cares about who we sleep with. Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wher
Why Doesn't God Make Himself Obvious? with Gavin Ortlund - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Gavin Ortlund to answer the question; why doesn't God make Himself more obvious?Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christ
Will We Be Single Forever? with Dani Treweek - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Dr. Danielle Treweek to have a conversation about singleness and marriage.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian bo
Is Euthanasia Wrong or Kind? with James Eglinton - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca is joined by James Eglinton to have a conversation about the arguments for and against euthanasia, how Christians should think about it, and where our hope can be found.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two G
Are Transgender Women, Women? - SUMMER REPLAY
Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin discuss the question; are transgender women, women?Questions Covered in This Episode:What is a man? What is a woman?Is a transgender woman a woman?What issues has this confusion presented?What is our primary responsiblity we have as Christians in this conversation?To what degree should we advance Christian ethics in public squares that are not purposefully evange
Why Should Christians Care for Immigrants? with Bri Stensrud - SUMMER REPLAY
The conversation centers around the complexities of being pro-life in a broader context. Bri shares her transformative journey from traditional pro-life advocacy into a holistic pursuit that sees immigration and refugee care as extensions of the same intrinsic Christian value of life and dignity. She elaborates on the misconceptions that surround the pro-life movement and the importance of engagin
Good News at Rock Bottom with Ray Ortlund - SUMMER REPLAY
What if the worst season of your life became the place where you encountered God most deeply?Rebecca talks with Ray Ortlund about suffering, betrayal, loneliness, depression, and why the cross and resurrection of Jesus offer a hope that no other worldview can match.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30%
How Do Christians Cope with Depression? with Alan Noble - SUMMER REPLAY
What do you do when getting out of bed feels impossible? Rebecca McLaughlin talks with Dr. Alan Noble about depression, anxiety, suffering, and the surprising hope Christianity offers—not by removing pain, but by giving us meaning, purpose, and a reason to keep going.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30
Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World with Rachel Gilson - SUMMER REPLAY
Rachel Gilson is a noted author and speaker specializing in Christian sexual ethics. She serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture at Cru, a dynamic missionary organization. Rachel is also in the advanced stages of completing her PhD in public theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Her acclaimed book, "Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What
What Do I Do With My Doubts? - SUMMER REPLAY
Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin talk* about doubt and where we can find a stable foundation that honors and invites our doubt toward goodness, truth, and beauty.*This is a replay episode from 1/31/23Questions Covered in This Episode:Have you ever experienced profound doubt?What do you think are some of the most common places of doubt?What is doubt an invitation to?Do we find doubt in the bible?
Should Women Preach? with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener - SUMMER REPLAY
Rebecca hosts a discussion* with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener, exploring whether women should preach in church. Both Dani and Ellie share their insights and differing perspectives, rooted in a deep respect for Scripture. The conversation goes into key biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11, providing nuanced interpretations. Dani and Ellie's dialogue underscores their share
Why Modern Culture Keeps Borrowing from Christianity with Collin Hansen
Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gospels. Two Tombstones. One Choice, available now wherever Christian books are sold or at MoodyPublishers.com.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Happiness? with Andrew Wilson
Rebecca and Andrew Wilson explore the Bible’s vision of happiness, why joy and suffering often go together, and how true happiness can only last forever if it’s rooted in God.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Contemporaries. Two Gos
The Story Behind Every Great Story with Kyle Worley
Why do stories about heroes, sacrifice, and victory over evil move us so deeply?Rebecca and Kyle Worley explore how imagination, storytelling, and even fantasy reflect the deeper reality of the gospel. From the armor of God to dragons and great heroes, they show why the story of Jesus is the one all others echo.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, t
Why Jesus Is Bigger Than You Think (Colossians Explained) with Lee Gatiss
What if Jesus is far more than you’ve ever imagined?In this crossover episode (with Church Society), Rebecca and Lee Gatiss unpack the book of Colossians—and why its claims about Jesus completely reshape identity, purpose, and freedom. They also tackle one of the Bible’s most misunderstood topics: slavery, and why the gospel actually undermines it from the inside out.Follow Lee:Church Society Webs
Are You on the Right Path? with Elizabeth Woodson
Rebecca talks with Elizabeth Woodson about the subtle ways culture shapes us—and how the gospel reorients us toward true joy, peace, and purpose. They explore how to recognize when you’ve drifted and take small, faithful steps back toward the way of Jesus.Follow Elizabeth:Website | InstagramRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use co
What Does “Identity in Christ” Actually Mean? with Justin Poythress
Who am I?It’s one of the most common—and most confusing—questions in our culture today.Rebecca is joined by author and theologian Justin Poythress to explore the deeper meaning of identity and why so many modern conversations fall short. Drawing from his upcoming book Who Am I, What Am I, and What Am I Doing with My Life?, Justin explains why identity is more complex than we think—and why trying t
Why Are We So Lonely? with Shelby Abbott
We’ve never been more connected—and never more lonely. In this episode, Rebecca talks with Shelby Abbott about the growing loneliness epidemic, especially among Gen Z, and why digital connection often leaves us feeling more isolated.Follow Shelby:Instagram | XRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off yo
What If Jesus Really Rose? with Mike Hood
What if the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a belief—but a historical reality? Rebecca is joined by evangelist, pastor, and writer Mike Hood to explore the evidence behind Christianity’s boldest claim: that Jesus physically rose from the dead. Mike shares how wrestling with this question as a teenager shaped his faith—and why he keeps coming back to it today.Buy Mike's Book:The If That Changes Ev
Was Jesus Punished in Our Place? with Derek Rishmawy - Part 2
Rebecca and Derek explore why God’s judgment is necessary, how Jesus’ death defeats sin and Satan, and why the cross is the clearest display of both divine justice and divine love. Follow Derek:XRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moody: Two Con
Was Jesus Punished in Our Place? with Derek Rishmawy - Part 1
Why would a loving God judge sin? Rebecca talks with theologian and pastor Derek Rishmawy about one of the most difficult questions in Christianity: why Jesus needed to die in the first place.Follow Derek:XRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discover Marx and Moo
Is Aging Good, Bad or Ugly? with Jen Wilkin (Part 2)
Rebecca and Jen Wilkin explore the often-overlooked spiritual power of middle age. They discuss why younger Christians need older mentors, how church should function as a true family across generations, and why following Jesus reshapes how we think about aging and influence.Preorder Jen's Book:Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging WorldRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent
Is Aging Good, Bad or Ugly? with Jen Wilkin (Part 1)
Rebecca talks with Jen Wilkin about her new book Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World. They explore how Scripture reframes aging as a gift, why the church must recover a richer vision of family, and what it means to be pro-life at the end of life.Preorder Jen's Book:Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging WorldRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The
Where Does The Bible Come From? with Dr. Peter Gurry and Dr. John Meade (Part 2)
Rebecca talks with John Meade and Peter Gurry about the New Testament canon, “lost gospels,” and why New Testament writers sometimes quote the Old Testament differently. They address common objections—Constantine, politics, the Apocrypha—and why studying Scripture’s history tends to deepen faith rather than undermine it.Follow Peter:XFollow John:XRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Ad
Where Does The Bible Come From? with Dr. Peter Gurry and Dr. John Meade (Part 1)
Where did the Bible come from—and how do we know we can trust it? Rebecca is joined by textual scholars John Meade and Peter Gurry to explore how Scripture was written, copied, translated, and recognized as canon. From the Septuagint to the Apocrypha, they unpack the Bible’s complex history—and why that history strengthens rather than weakens Christian confidence in God’s Word.Follow Peter:XFollow
Why Read Poetry? with Stephen Witmer
Rebecca talks with pastor and author Dr. Stephen Witmer about why poetry—especially the work of 17th-century priest George Herbert—can deepen our understanding of the gospel. Through Herbert’s poems, they explore themes of inadequacy, priesthood, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Along the way, they discuss why Scripture itself uses poetry and why beauty, metaphor, and imagination matter fo
Can Psychology Help Us Become More Like Christ? with Jo Johnson
Are human beings basically good—or fundamentally broken? Rebecca is joined by clinical neuropsychologist Jo Johnson to explore what decades of psychological work reveal about human nature, shame, and our deep sense that something is “off.” Together they argue that Christianity doesn’t deny our inner darkness, but offers the only true freedom: being fully known and fully loved in Jesus.Buy Jo's Boo
Should We Abolish Gender? with Rob Smith | Part 2
Rebecca McLaughlin and Dr. Rob Smith continue their conversation on sex, gender, and transgender theory by tracing how the New Testament holds together real equality and real difference between men and women. They discuss gender dysphoria, disorders of sexual development, and why Christians can pursue deep compassion without affirming claims they believe are untrue. Throughout, they argue that kee
Should We Abolish Gender? with Rob Smith | Part 1
Rebecca talks with Anglican minister and theologian Dr. Rob Smith about what “transgender theory” actually claims—and why clarity matters before conversation can even begin. They explore how the Bible frames bodies, sex, and “gender expression,” starting in Genesis and touching on why Christians can’t simply throw the word “gender” away. This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion of Rob’s book The Bo
The Missing Peace with Sam Chan
In this episode, Rebecca McLaughlin talks with evangelist and surgeon Sam Chan about why Christmas still matters in an anxious, skeptical world. Drawing on Sam’s book The Missing Piece, they explore how the incarnation meets our deep longing for peace—not by fixing everything, but by God coming near to us in Jesus.Follow Sam:Blog | X | InstagramRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Adve
Finding Wisdom in an AI World with Autumn Ridenour
What does a 4th-century African bishop have to do with smartphones, social media, and AI chatbots? Rebecca sits down with ethicist Autumn Ridenour to explore how Augustine’s famous line, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” exposes both the appeal and the danger of our digital lives—from endless scrolling to AI “relationships” and deepfake-fueled distrust.Rediscover the “miracle of m
Sex, Shame, and The Hope of Redemption with Zach Ellis
Therapist and ministry leader Zach Ellis spends his days walking with men tangled up in porn, shame, and unwanted sexual behavior. In this episode, Zach and Rebecca talk about lust as both sin and sign, how trauma fractures us, and why the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower but connection—being truly known by God and his people. If you’ve ever wondered whether your sexual history puts you beyon
You Aren't Enough with Christine Hoover
Christine walks through 2 Corinthians, Paul’s deeply personal letter about weakness, suffering, and the upside-down way of Jesus. She shares honestly about writing her new Bible study, More Than Enough: An 8-Week Study of 2 Corinthians, while her 20-year-old son was undergoing treatment for cancer.Get the Book:More Than Enough: An 8-Week Study of 2 CorinthiansFollow Christine:Instagram | WebsiteRe
Can Jesus Give Us Freedom? with Portia Collins
Portia Collins is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker from the Mississippi Delta. She’s the author of Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study in Galatians, founder of She Shall Be Called, and serves on staff with Revive Our Hearts. Portia is passionate about helping women grow in Bible literacy and embrace the true freedom found in Jesus.Get the Book:Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study
What’s The Point of Singleness? with Dani Treweek
Rebecca and theologian Dani Treweek explore why the Bible calls both marriage and singleness meaningful gifts — and how rediscovering the purpose of singleness can strengthen the whole church.Get the book:Single Ever AfterA Biblical Vision for the Significance of SinglenessFollow Dani:Instagram | WebsiteRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Chri
On Magic and Miracles with Marian Jacobs
Can Christians enjoy stories with “magic”? Marian Jacobs and Rebecca unpack how fantasy can train us to love Jesus and discern the occult—using a simple rubric rooted in Scripture and the self-giving love at the heart of the gospel.Get the book:On Magic & Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional MagicFollow Marian:Instagram | WebsiteRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new
How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life
Harvard-backed research says weekly churchgoing lowers depression, boosts health, and lengthens life — and Rebecca explains why those benefits point beyond “religion” to Jesus, the church as true family, and the hope Gen Z is rediscovering.Get the book:“How Church Could Literally Save Your Life” (Crossway)Check out Collin's Podcast:GospelboundRediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent
Should Christians Be Defined by The Culture Wars? with J.D. Greear
Rebecca and J.D. Greear explore how Christians can transcend the culture war by leading with grace and truth, loving hard-to-love neighbors, keeping politics downstream of discipleship, and holding fast to the gospel with joyful confidence.Resources Mentioned:J.D.'s WebsiteSummit ChurchEveryday Revolutionary: How to Transcend the Culture War and Transform the WorldRediscover the “miracle of mirac
Where is God in My Anxiety? with Blair Linne
How can anxiety become a doorway to deeper faith? Blair Linne joins Rebecca to discuss her new book Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. She recounts the accident that led to panic attacks, unpacks natural / sinful / religious fear, and shows how Scripture’s “do not fear” is an invitation to rest in God’s presence.Resources Mentioned:Made to Tremble –
Theology Together with Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley - Part 2
Rebecca welcomes back Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley for part two of their conversation about Theology Together. They unpack the Deep Discipleship Program—a tested, church-based framework for theological formation that is both sacrificial and accessible. They discuss lowering vs. raising the bar in ministry, how to call believers into deeper study and practice, and why the church must rec
Theology Together with Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley - Part 1
Rebecca welcomes Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley (Knowing Faith) to explore why every believer is a theologian, how women and men learn together in the church, and how practices of grace form us for fellowship with God and one another. They discuss You Are a Theologian, Deep Discipleship, Formed for Fellowship, and Remember & Rehearse—along with church-as-family, Priscilla & Aquila
Suffering, Unanswered Prayer, and Hope in Christ with Vaneetha Risner
Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practic
Do You Have A Calling? with Karen Swallow Prior
Rebecca sits down with Karen Swallow Prior to explore vocation that comes from outside us, the goodness of “ordinary” faithfulness, and why pursuing the true, the good, and the beautiful gives shape to our work in every season. They reflect on biblical portraits of calling (Paul, Moses, Jonah), the role of community in discernment, and how serving others—not chasing status—aligns our lives with Je
What’s Ahead on Confronting Christianity Season 7
Season 7 of Confronting Christianity is here! Rebecca gives a sneak peek at upcoming conversations—from finding hope in suffering and living faithfully as a single Christian, to confronting anxiety, pornography, and the meaning of Jesus’ death. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single episode.📚 Resources MentionedRebecca’s forthcoming book: How Church Could Literally Save Your Life (Releases Octob
From Crystals to Christianity: Finding Jesus After Trying Everything Else with Justine
What happens when you’ve tried everything—and nothing works? In this episode, Justine shares how she searched for meaning through alcohol, relationships, yoga, crystals, and tarot—only to find herself more lost than ever. But a YouTube video, a prayer in Madrid, and a series of quiet nudges led her to confront the truth she could no longer ignore: she needed Jesus. Whether you're skeptical, curiou
Good News at Rock Bottom with Ray Ortlund
What if rock bottom isn’t the end of the story, but the place where grace runs deepest? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ray Ortlund about the kind of suffering that strips us bare—and the kind of Savior who meets us there. We dig into betrayal, isolation, and the painful honesty of self-examination. Ray shares wisdom from his new book, Good News at Rock Bottom, reminding us that Christianity does
Will Education Undermine Your Faith? with Andrei Comlosan-Pop
What does it look like to follow Jesus at Harvard? In this episode, I talk with senior Andrei Comlosan-Pop about coming to faith in high school, navigating life as a Christian at a secular university, and how literature, economics, and community all play a part in shaping a thoughtful, lived-out faith.Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Insta
What Does It Mean to Live Free? with Elizabeth Woodson
I’m joined by my friend Elizabeth Woodson—Bible teacher, author, and all-around theological powerhouse—to talk about Paul’s letter to the Galatians. We dig into what it really means to be free in Christ, why Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle matters so deeply, and how he surprisingly elevated the role of women in his ministry. Elizabeth shares wisdom from her new Bible study, Live F
Why Are We Drawn to Charismatic Leaders? with Molly Worthen
Historian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves?Buy Molly's Book:Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trum
The Quiet Comeback of Church in the UK with Glen Scrivener and Rob Barward-Symmons
Rebecca is joined by Glen Scrivener and Dr. Rob Barward-Symmons to explore a surprising rise in church attendance in the UK—especially among Gen Z and young men. Drawing on new YouGov data, they discuss the impact of immigration, cultural shifts, and the quiet but steady relevance of Christian community in a secular age.Check out the Report:The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendanceF
What is Truth? with Gray Sutanto
Is belief in God just a quirk of the human brain—or is it something deeper? In this episode, I’m joined by theologian Gray Sutanto to explore the insights of cognitive science and what they tell us about our built-in sense of the divine. Drawing from his new book Ascends of the Divine, we discuss the limits of human knowledge, the power of revelation, and how Gray’s own journey to faith shapes his
Making Faith Magnetic with Dan Strange
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Strange to talk about the deep longings that pull at every human heart—connection, deliverance, destiny—and how they point us to Christ. Drawing from his book "Making Faith Magnetic", Dan helps us think through how to engage our culture with both truth and tenderness. We also explore the vital role of the church in supporting vulnerable children through foste
What's Wrong with Sex Robots? with Jeremy Meeks
What happens when our deepest longings collide with our latest technologies? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Meeks—bioethicist, theologian, and expert on all things strange and complicated at the intersection of sex, robots, and Christian ethics. Drawing on the thought of Augustine, we wrestle with questions of human freedom, love, and the lure of transhumanist dreams. Can a robot be a c
Can a Scientist Believe in Easter? with Russell Cowburn
Russell Cowburn, a professor of experimental physics at Cambridge University, joins Rebecca to explore the intricate relationship between science and faith. They explore the concept of God within the scope of scientific discovery, the historical figures who have harmonized faith with scientific contributions, and engage with the question of Jesus' resurrection and its implications. As they approac
Should Women Preach? with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener
Rebecca hosts a discussion with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener, exploring whether women should preach in church. Both Dani and Ellie share their insights and differing perspectives, rooted in a deep respect for Scripture. The conversation goes into key biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11, providing nuanced interpretations. Dani and Ellie's dialogue underscores their shared
Is Revelation Relevant? with Jen Wilkin
Join Rebecca and Jen Wilkin in a rich exploration of the Book of Revelation, unraveling its powerful imagery and links to the entire biblical narrative. Discover the symbolism of the Lamb, the recurring motif of weddings, and the age-old struggle against the dragon. They discuss the profound promises and warnings Revelation offers, its portrayal of Jesus as both sacrificial and sovereign, and its
How Can I Be Productive? with Ana Ávila
Join Rebecca and Ana Ávila as they talk about the interplay between productivity, faith, and motherhood. Ana, a senior writer for the Spanish version of the Gospel Coalition, shares insights from her book, "Make the Most of Your Time: A Guide to Honoring God with Your Time." They discuss the balance of work, parenting, and spiritual habits, highlighting how love and devotion drive productivity.Fol
What is the Ordo Amoris? with Mark McDowell
Join Rebecca and Dr. Mark McDowell as they explore the concept of "Ordo Amoris" and its implications for Christian ethics and political discussions. The conversation explores the theological insights of Augustine and their modern relevance, especially concerning love for one's neighbor and immigrant care. Unpacking biblical parables and teachings, Mark highlights the transformative potential of di
How a Football Player Got Lit Up With Love with Derwin Gray
Derwin Gray, pastor and author, joins Rebecca to explore the transformative power of God's love in a world craving the gospel. They discuss Gray's latest book, "Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good News People in a Gospel Starved World," examining how Jesus' love compels us to love others, transcending racial and social barriers.Buy Derwin's Book:Lit Up With LoveFollow Derwin:Instagram | X | WebsiteSig
Why Bother with Books? with Rachel Zhang
Rebecca and Rachel Zhang explore the intersection of literature and Christianity on today's episode. Rachel, an assistant professor at Emerson College, discusses her research on 17th-century literature and her experience as a Christian in academia. They analyze the influence of faith on studying literature, the power of fiction, and the importance of engaging with works from diverse worldviews.Fol
Should I Be True To Myself? with Sam Chan
Rebecca and Sam Chan explore the complexities of living an authentic life through a Christian lens. They discuss cultural narratives about being true to oneself and the contrasting biblical perspective of finding true identity through Jesus. Sam shares from his experiences as a medical doctor to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, challenging listeners to seek life's p
The Art of Disagreeing with Gavin Ortlund
Rebecca and Gavin Ortlund dive into the art of disagreeing while maintaining relationships. They explore biblical insights and discuss the balance between boldness and love in conversations, especially when addressing religious and ideological differences. Whether navigating disagreements with friends or discussing contentious issues, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for engaging in meani
One Woman’s Trans Testimony with Kyla Gillespie
Kyla Gillespie joins Rebecca to discuss her journey with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction. Raised in a Christian home, Kyla shares her struggle with identity, navigating both a passion for hockey and feelings of not fitting traditional gender roles. She recounts her experiences with transition, faith, and alcoholism, ultimately returning to faith and finding solace in her identity as a wom
Is the New Testament Historically Reliable? with Mike Kruger
Rebecca and Dr. Michael J. Kruger discuss the origins and reliability of the New Testament, the textual transmission from early Christianity, the authenticity of gospel accounts, and address common skeptic arguments, including Bart Ehrman's views on manuscript variations. Dr. Kruger highlights the significance of Jesus' character and teachings while discussing the historical importance of early Ch
What Are Baptism and The Lord’s Supper About? with Christy Thornton
Rebecca and Dr. Christy Thornton explore Christian unity and diversity as they tackle key theological topics, including the Lord's Supper and baptism, examining what Christians agree on and where denominational differences lie. Listen into the discussions on important terms like sacraments and ordinances, and discover how these practices shape Christian tradition. Dr. Thornton shares insights from
Kickstart Your Quiet Time with Rachel Jones
Rebecca sits down with Rachel Jones, editor at The Good Book Company and author of The Quiet Time Kickstart: Six Weeks to a Healthy Bible Habit. Drawing inspiration from the Couch to 5K program, Rachel shares how this book was designed to help anyone build a sustainable and meaningful habit of meeting God in His Word. Together, Rebecca and Rachel dive into the real struggles that often hold us bac
My Apology...
The 6th season of Confronting Christianity is set to launch on January 21st!Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by The Good Podcast Co.Rediscover the “miracle of miracles” in the new Advent devotional —The Newborn King, this Christmas. Use code NEWBORNKING and get30% off your copy at thegoodbook.com today!Discov
Season 5 Q&A: Infertility, The Morning After Pill, and Politics
Rebecca and Justine explore questions submitted by our listeners! They explore challenges of infertility, perspectives on the morning-after pill, and how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics. The discussion also highlights strategies for evangelism, especially within diverse religious contexts, and how to discern primary doctrinal issues.List of Questions AnsweredHow can we effectively a
Can We Be One With God? with Kyle Worley
About the Guest:Kyle Worley is a dedicated pastor, insightful author, and engaging podcaster. Alongside his spiritual commitments and teachings, Kyle is also a foster father, showcasing his passion for nurturing and supporting the next generation. His latest endeavor is his forthcoming book titled "Home with God: Union with Christ," which delves into the profound theological concept of union with
Unpacking Post-Christian America with Michael Keller
Michael Keller is a prominent pastor with a distinguished career intertwining academia and theology. Having spent his formative years in New York City and obtaining degrees in History and Psychology from Vanderbilt University, Michael pursued theological studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, earning both M.Div and THM degrees. He has served in various pastoral roles across London and Bos
Am I More Than My Brain? with Sharon Dirckx
Rebecca hosts Dr. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned expert in science and theology, to explore the intersection of faith and neuroscience. Dr. Dirckx, author of "Am I Just My Brain?", explores the complex relationship between brain and mind, challenging the notion that consciousness is merely an illusion. The discussion highlights scientific phenomena that suggest we are more than our neurons and explores
